Igniting Creativity

I love to write. It has been my creative outlet all my life. I experience relationship through writing, with myself and with God. It is a way for me to process life at a deep level, to release and surrender raw emotion, questions, dreams and challenges. It sometimes feels like a conversation, one that satisfies the longing of my soul for true connection.

During the transition of my move and closing of this Spring season, I found myself at a loss for my creative flow. I felt at a loss for writing ideas and struggled to have “space” in my mind to access creativity. This was concerning to me, so I decided to stop “trying” to be creative, let go of my own expectation of myself and use one of my positive psychology tools.

I got out in nature and went for a long walk with my dog. I savored the path, the trees, the sunshine and the freedom. I let my mind rest from all the tasks and responsibilities. As I walked, my heart was filled with creative ideas for my writing and a joy welled up in my soul. I remembered the scientific research proving physical activity and connection with nature can ignite the creative spirit in a person and refresh the brain. This research supports the practice now in many corporate settings encouraging employees to have treadmill desks, active work stations, walking meetings, and rhythms with breaks to be physically active and increase productivity.

It is one of my smaller tools, but one I can use on a daily basis to keep the flame of creativity vibrant. I value the flow of creativity and see it as a way to provide hope and refreshment in our world.

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed.

Genesis 1:31, 2:1